Crystal cautions

This page contains geological data that cautions one when using certain types of crystals/minerals. While most in the metaphysical/spiritual community only speak of the higher purpose properties, common sense must be taken into consideration when using these on a physical level. This page is a cautionary measure on stones that may be harmful in certain situations or specific types of minerals (raw versus tumbled, Fibrous versus crystallized or mass) , whether it be in Elixirs or prolonged holding, bathing, touching to skin, etc.

It is not meant to perpetuate fear or anxiety, but instead to educate and share our deep respect for the crystal and mineral kingdom. Most on the list are geared toward internal use with a few being cautionary for external use. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you wash your hands after using any crystal/mineral. It keeps our mineral friends clean and is a great way to show respect to ourselves and our crystal/mineral family.

Pay particular attention to the list when you are working with raw/natural specimens. I do not think tumbled stones, for the most part, would be harmful, with a few exceptions, such as Realgar.

NOTE: Before making any elixir or charging any water, it is a good idea to double check for any possible toxicity that may occur, if using several stones in combination, for elemental reactions between the stones. In fact, it would be best if each stone charges in its own container of water as opposed to putting four or five stones in the same container.

If you have any doubt, simply place the crystal/stone around and outside of the container.

Actinolite--Fibrous form is a type of asbestos. Not recommended for elixirs.Adamite--Contains Arsenic (Arsenate) and trace amounts of copper which is toxicAjoite--Contains Aluminum, CopperAlexandrite--Contains AluminumAmazonite--Trace amounts of Copper which is toxicAmblygonite--Contains AluminumAndaluscite--Contains AluminumAtacamite-- Contains poisonous/toxic CopperAuricalcite-- Contains Zinc and Copper which is toxicAxinite--Contains Aluminum, IronAzurite--Contains Copper, ToxicBastnaesite--The chemical makeup of Bastnaesite does contain toxic elements which can react when combined with water.Beryl Group (Aquamarine, Goshenite, Heliodor, Morganite)--Contains AluminumBrazilianite--Contains Aluminum--not recommended to use in its raw formBronchantite--Copper Hydrated Sulphate, ToxicBoji Stones (Kansas Pop Rocks, aka Concretin)--Contains Sulfur, Pyrite and/or Marcasite which is toxic (*also could be a fire hazard)Chalcopyrite--AKA Peacock Ore contains copper and sulfur which can be toxicChrysoberyl--Contains AluminumChrysocolla--Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.Cinnabar--Contains mercury which can be poisonous/toxic Wash hands after holding. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding.Conichalcite--Contains poisonous/toxic copperCopper--PoisonousCovellite--Contains poisonous/toxic CopperCrocoite--Contains poisonous/toxic levels of Chromium. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding. Do not ingest.Cuprite--Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Wash hands after holding. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding.Dioptase--Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.Dumortierite--Contains AluminumEmerald--Contains AluminumEpidote--Contains AluminumFeldspar Group--(Labradorite, Moonstone, Orthoclase, etc) Contains AluminumGalena--Contains high amounts of lead which can be poisonousGarnet--(Spessartine, Uvarovite, Rhodolite,Hessonite) Contains AluminumGem Silica-- Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.Halite--Unfit for elixir use--will dissolve in waterHematite--Unfit for elixir use--will rust with prolonged exposure in liquidHiddenite (Spodumene)--Contains AluminumIdocrase--Contains AluminumIolite--Contains AluminumJadeite--Contains Aluminum and IronKyanite--Contains AluminumLabradorite--Contains AluminumLapis Lazuli-- Contains Sulfur and possible Pyrite inclusions which are poisonousLazulite--Contains AluminumLazurite--Contains Aluminum, SulfurLepidolite--Contains AluminumMagnetite-- Iron will rust, DO NOT use in elixirs or charging waterMalachite--Contains poisonous/toxic copperMarcasite--Marcasite with time and exposure to oxygen, may form a white powdery substance/residue which is poisonous/toxic Sulfuric Acid.) If this occurs you should not wear next to the skin or touch. Not recommended for Elixirs.Moonstone--Contains AluminumMorganite--Contains AluminumOrpiment--HIGHLY TOXIC levels of Arsenic. Wash hands after use, keep away from CHILDREN!! Do not put hands near eyes or mouth before washing hands.Pargasite-- contains Aluminum so it is not recommended for elixirs or immersing in water to charge it.Pietersite--Similar to Tiger's Eye. Fibrous form contains asbestos. Not recommended to use raw forms for elixirs.Prehnite--Contains AluminumPsilomelane--Contains poisonous/toxic BariumPyrite--Pyrite may contain intermixed Marcasite. The Marcasite with time and exposure to oxygen, may form a white powdery substance/residue which is poisonous/toxic Sulfuric Acid.) If this occurs you should not wear next to the skin or touch. Not recommended for Elixirs.Quantum stone/Quantum Quattro Silica--Contains poisonous/toxic copperRealgar **--HIGHLY TOXIC levels of Arsenic. Wash hands after use, keep away from CHILDREN!! Do not put hands near eyes or mouth before washing hands.Ruby--Contains AluminumSapphire--Contains AluminumScapolite--Contains AluminumSchorl--Contains AluminumSelenite--Unfit for internal ingestion--tiny shards may break off in waterSerpentine--Fibrous forms are asbestos. Wash hands after use. Not recommended in elixir preparation.Smithsonite--Contains zinc and may contain copper (green Smithsonite) Safe for handling but may be Poisonous/toxic when used in elixirs.Sodalite--Contains AluminumSpinel--Contains AluminumSpodumene-- Contains AluminumStaurolite--Contains Aluminum and IronStibnite--Contains lead and antimony. Not recommended for elixirs.Stilbite--Contains AluminumSugilite--Contains AluminumSulfur--Contains poisonous SulfurSunstone--Contains AluminumTanzanite--Gem variety of Zoisite. Zoisite contains Aluminum.Tiger Eye--Fibrous form contains asbestos. Not recommended to use raw forms for elixirs.Topaz--Contains AluminumTorbenite--RadioactiveTourmaline--Contains AluminumTremolite--Fibrous forms are asbestos. Not recommended for Elixirs. Wash hands after use.Turquoise--Contains poisonous/toxic copper and Aluminum. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.Ulexite-- Contains toxic BoronVanadinite--Contains poisonous VanadiumVariscite--Contains AluminumVesuvianite--Contains AluminumWavellite--Contains AluminumWulfenite--Contains poisonous Lead & Molybdenum. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.Zircon--Contain Zirconium, RadioactiveZoisite--Contains Aluminum

*Original List provided with permission by Liz Gunther and Peggy Jentoff .
*Additions/corrections have been made by Kristi Huggins, Author/Expert Contributor and Steve Garza.

Didn't know there were such high levels of aluminium floating about. Luckily I don't use many of these crystals for touch, only close promimity for dream recall or influence. I'm sure all the crystals you have listed have a specific purpose, but I have found that the freely available ones are the more useful. As long as they are cleansed correctly after use, they work very well.